| DotMBlurb= '''[[Salvador]]''' is the capital of the state of [[Bahia]], [[Brazil]]. With a charming Old Town (a [[World Heritage Site]]) and a vibrant musical scenes it is considered one of the birthplaces of Brazilian culture. One of the main attractions in Salvador is the carnaval. Salvador's giant '''Carnival''', the biggest of the world, according to the Guiness book of records, lasts for one week and is extremely popular with Brazilians and tourists alike. In 2013, the event happens on Feb 7th - 14th and consists of parades,live entertainment, music, dancers and vendors. <small>([[salvador|more...]])</small>

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| DotMBlurb= '''[[Singapore]]''' is a city-state in [[Southeast Asia]] that has become one of the world's most prosperous countries. Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region. In '''March''' Singapore will host '''South East Asia Film Festival''' and '''Mosaic Music Festival 2013'''. <small>([[Singapore|more...]])</small>

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{{newsitem| Diamonds heist in Brussels Airport |25 Feb 2013| An investigation has been launched after armed robbers broke into Brussels Airport and stole diamonds worth more than £32million. in a meticulously planned heist lasting less than five minutes, eight armed men burst through the airport's security barrier in a fake police car before driving up to a security van parked on the runway next to the Swiss passenger aircraft. A Brussels Airport police spokesman said a full investigation has been launched into the raid, which has seriously thrown into doubt the security of the airport. [http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php]}}

{{newsitem| Diamonds heist in Brussels Airport |25 Feb 2013| An investigation has been launched after armed robbers broke into Brussels Airport and stole diamonds worth more than £32million. in a meticulously planned heist lasting less than five minutes, eight armed men burst through the airport's security barrier in a fake police car before driving up to a security van parked on the runway next to the Swiss passenger aircraft. A Brussels Airport police spokesman said a full investigation has been launched into the raid, which has seriously thrown into doubt the security of the airport. [http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php]}}

{{newsitem| Earthquakes in central Japan|25 Feb 2013| A magnitude 5.7 earthquake rattled central Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. A second quake -- magnitude 4.6 quake -- struck several minutes later. The Japan Meteorological Agency said no tsunami alert has been issued. The quake was centered about 143 kilometers (89 miles) north-northwest of [[Tokyo]] at a depth of 9.9 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the USGS. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/25/world/asia/japan-earthquake/index.html]}}

{{newsitem| Earthquakes in central Japan|25 Feb 2013| A magnitude 5.7 earthquake rattled central Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. A second quake -- magnitude 4.6 quake -- struck several minutes later. The Japan Meteorological Agency said no tsunami alert has been issued. The quake was centered about 143 kilometers (89 miles) north-northwest of [[Tokyo]] at a depth of 9.9 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the USGS. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/25/world/asia/japan-earthquake/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem| North Korean nuclear test|12 Feb 2013| North Korea's nuclear test prompted united condemnation and a vow of tough action from the U.N. Security Council. [[South Korea]]n Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan, repeating a statement to reporters outside council chambers, said the test violated council resolutions, and "there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security." The test probably took place near P'unggye and yielded "several kilotons," according to assessments cited by the U.S. director of national intelligence. It drew condemnation from around the globe and prompted the emergency Security Council session. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/11/world/asia/north-korea-seismic-disturbance/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Fragile cease-fire, Syria|12 Feb 2013| In the western town of Tal Kalakh rebel fighters and government forces have agreed to something remarkable- a cease-fire. While fragile, the agreement could be a blueprint for peace across more parts of the country, which has seen incessant bloodshed for 23 months. If the local cease-fire continues to hold, it would defy failures at the national and international levels to implement a meaningful halt in violence. Tal Kalakh, near Syria's border with Lebanon was one of the first cities to rebel against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. It has seen heavy fighting since the uprising began. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/11/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html]}}

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{{eventsitem| Chinese New Year Las Vegas Style| Jan-Mar 2013| [[Las Vegas]] is hosting multiple events in honor of the year of the snake according to the Chinese calender. Multiple displays and shows will be help all across the vibrant city. [http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/las-vegas-celebrates-chinese-new-year-2013/]}}

{{eventsitem| Chinese New Year Las Vegas Style| Jan-Mar 2013| [[Las Vegas]] is hosting multiple events in honor of the year of the snake according to the Chinese calender. Multiple displays and shows will be help all across the vibrant city. [http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/las-vegas-celebrates-chinese-new-year-2013/]}}

{{eventsitem| Indian Kumbh Mela festival| 14 Jan- 10 Mar 2013| Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. The ceremony in the northern city of Allahabad took place on the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days. Over 110 million people are expected to take a dip at the Sangam, the place where three rivers — the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati — come together at the edge of this North Indian city. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/01/14/wrd-india-hindu-ganges-festival.html]}}

{{eventsitem| Indian Kumbh Mela festival| 14 Jan- 10 Mar 2013| Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. The ceremony in the northern city of Allahabad took place on the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days. Over 110 million people are expected to take a dip at the Sangam, the place where three rivers — the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati — come together at the edge of this North Indian city. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/01/14/wrd-india-hindu-ganges-festival.html]}}

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{{eventsitem| International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh|1- 7 Mar 2013| This one-week festival gives you an opportunity to participate in over 60 hours of yoga classes from world-class Yoga teachers. These teachers practice and teach multiple styles of yoga including Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Kriya Yoga. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/international-yoga-festival.aspx] }}

{{eventsitem| Rickshaw Run at Melbourne Food & Wine Festival|1-11 Mar 2013| The annual rickshaw run, is the craziest way to sample authentic Vietnamese food and culture. You will be taken on a fast and furious tour of the best restaurants, markets, and hawker food. It's a six-course flying frenzy on the most environmentally sustainable transport ever invented. [http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/event-calendar/rickshaw-run-4067] }}

{{eventsitem| Rickshaw Run at Melbourne Food & Wine Festival|1-11 Mar 2013| The annual rickshaw run, is the craziest way to sample authentic Vietnamese food and culture. You will be taken on a fast and furious tour of the best restaurants, markets, and hawker food. It's a six-course flying frenzy on the most environmentally sustainable transport ever invented. [http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/event-calendar/rickshaw-run-4067] }}

{{eventsitem| Las Fallas, Valencia|15-19 Mar 2013| The five day festival is a carnival of bonfires, fireworks, parades, shows, and other festivities, as it also celebrates the arrival of spring. Every day the day starts at 8 am sharp with a ‘wakeup call or la Desperata as it is called. Bands march down the main streets of the town and firecrackers are burned as peppy music rents the air. At 2 pm it’s time for the La Mascleta which takes place in the different neighborhoods of the city – this is a run up to the main event of Mascleta held on 19 March at the Plaça de l’Ajuntamen. Every night there are firework displays in the city and the final one on the last night is the most magnificent with firecrackers and fireworks lighting up the skies. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/las-fallas-de-valencia.aspx] }}

{{eventsitem| Las Fallas, Valencia|15-19 Mar 2013| The five day festival is a carnival of bonfires, fireworks, parades, shows, and other festivities, as it also celebrates the arrival of spring. Every day the day starts at 8 am sharp with a ‘wakeup call or la Desperata as it is called. Bands march down the main streets of the town and firecrackers are burned as peppy music rents the air. At 2 pm it’s time for the La Mascleta which takes place in the different neighborhoods of the city – this is a run up to the main event of Mascleta held on 19 March at the Plaça de l’Ajuntamen. Every night there are firework displays in the city and the final one on the last night is the most magnificent with firecrackers and fireworks lighting up the skies. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/las-fallas-de-valencia.aspx] }}

{{eventsitem| Bali Spirit Festival, Ubud|20-24 Mar 2013| The Bali Spirit Festival is an extensive celebration of international yoga, dance and music. It is an elevating festival which stirs up and nurtures each individual’s potential for affirmative change, within and around. If you are seeking yoga, traditional Indonesian dance and more, then the Bali Spirit Festival is just the right place for you.The festival brings distinguished yoga gurus, musicians, and dancers from different countries, together at one place. It celebrates the richness of Indonesian culture, the purity of the environment, spirit of mutual learning and cooperation, diversity and harmony between people of all nations. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/bali-spirit-festival.aspx] }}

{{eventsitem| Bali Spirit Festival, Ubud|20-24 Mar 2013| The Bali Spirit Festival is an extensive celebration of international yoga, dance and music. It is an elevating festival which stirs up and nurtures each individual’s potential for affirmative change, within and around. If you are seeking yoga, traditional Indonesian dance and more, then the Bali Spirit Festival is just the right place for you.The festival brings distinguished yoga gurus, musicians, and dancers from different countries, together at one place. It celebrates the richness of Indonesian culture, the purity of the environment, spirit of mutual learning and cooperation, diversity and harmony between people of all nations. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/bali-spirit-festival.aspx] }}

{{eventsitem| Cherry Blossom, Japan|25 Mar 2013| The Japan Weather Association, in its first forecast of the season, predicts this year’s cherry blossoms to open according to their average schedule in most of Japan, except for parts of Western and Central Japan where they are predicted to open earlier than usual. The opening in [[Tokyo]] is on March 25, but estimated best viewing happens April 1 to 10, according to Weathermap [http://www.tokyo-top-guide.com/cherry_blossom_festival.html]. Kakuzan Park in [[Tsuyama]] has gained fame as one of the best place for viewing cherry blossoms with over 5,000 cherry blossom trees within and around the park. The city hosts a Cherry Blossom festival between 1-15 April [http://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/eventinfo.html]; Click for more about '''[[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots]]'''.}}

{{eventsitem| Cherry Blossom, Japan|25 Mar 2013| The Japan Weather Association, in its first forecast of the season, predicts this year’s cherry blossoms to open according to their average schedule in most of Japan, except for parts of Western and Central Japan where they are predicted to open earlier than usual. The opening in [[Tokyo]] is on March 25, but estimated best viewing happens April 1 to 10, according to Weathermap [http://www.tokyo-top-guide.com/cherry_blossom_festival.html]. Kakuzan Park in [[Tsuyama]] has gained fame as one of the best place for viewing cherry blossoms with over 5,000 cherry blossom trees within and around the park. The city hosts a Cherry Blossom festival between 1-15 April [http://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/eventinfo.html]; Click for more about '''[[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots]]'''.}}

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{{eventsitem| Butterfly Jungle exhibit, San Diego Zoo| 9 Apr- 8 May 2013| During this yearly event guests will be completely immersed by thousands of butterflies as they walk through the Zoo Safari Park’s Hidden Jungle aviary. The 30 species of butterflies highlighted this year will hail from [[Africa]], [[Asia]] and Central and South [[America]] and include the zebra longwing, orange-barred tiger and Grecian shoemaker. [http://media.sandiegozoo.org/2013/03/01/butterfly-jungle-on-its-way/] }}

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia that has become one of the world's most prosperous countries. Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region. In March Singapore will host South East Asia Film Festival and Mosaic Music Festival 2013. (more...)

Zaragoza is a warm and inviting city strategically located between Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia and Toulouse. In peoples' haste to see the big cities, this gem is often passed without so much as a second look. The city welcomes visitors with its rich culture, shopping, eating and sightseeing. Its more than 2000 years of history makes the city one of the greatest historical and artistic legacies in Spain (more...)